Chairish automatically removes the background of the primary (first) image on most listings to present your item on a clean white ground. This 'whiteout' process helps buyers see the product clearly and creates a consistent experience across the marketplace.
What's included:
- Primary image only: Background removal and light clean-up (ex. remove a small wire or dolly, reduce obvious shadows) are applied to the first photo only. Our edits are intentionally limited to keep your images as close to your original upload as possible.
- Other images unchanged: All additional photos in your listing remain exactly as you uploaded them- no enhancements or edits are applied to those.
-
Standardized workflow: We're not able to disable or create exceptions to the whiteout process on a per-listing basis. If you prefer a particular look for your non-lead images, upload them as you'd like them to appear. If you notice any issue introduced by the whiteout process, contact Support and we’ll correct it.
How long it takes:
- Typical turnaround: Most whiteout edits and corrections are completed and visible on the site within 24 hours of our team queuing the request.
- Publishing behavior: If your listing is pending publication due to an image fix, it will go live automatically once editing is complete.
- If it's been more than 24 hours: Reply to your support ticket or contact us with the listing link for an update.
What to do if something looks off:
- If the white ground/lead photo looks wrong, distorted, or the wrong image shows as the lead, contact us with the listing URL and a brief description of the issue. Our team will review and requeue the correct edit.
Limitations
Our whiteout process focuses on background cleanup and light, basic adjustments. It does not remove parts of the object or materially alter the item.
Examples:
- We cannot remove an integral 'part' of the object or modify its design.
- We cannot heavily retouch or alter the appearance of the product itself (ex. change colors, hide damage, or materially modify design details).
- We cannot enhance overall image quality beyond what your original file supports.
- If a floor or other environment element is part of the photographed scene, we may not be able to remove it without replacing the photo entirely. In these cases, provide an alternate image with a clean background and clear view of the full piece.
- For issues like cloudy glass or reflections, we’ll do our best within standard editing, but advanced retouching may require a new, better photo.
Requesting Additional Edits
If your lead image needs adjustment after whiteout (ex. remnants left behind, an unwanted prop, or a shadow), our photo team can help.
Common fixes we can accommodate:
- Clean up leftover remnants after background removal.
- Remove small, non-product props such as a dolly, visible wire, or obvious dust/blemishes that aren’t part of the item.
- Reduce or remove strong shadows on the lead image when feasible.
- Correct glass or reflective areas that were whitened incorrectly.
How to request a fix:
- Contact us with the listing URL.
- Describe the issue concisely (ex. "remove the dolly", "fix remnants under the vessel,", "remove the shadow from the bottom right of the image", "correct the whiteout on the glass").
- Attach a screenshot with the area circled, if helpful.
What happens next:
- We’ll queue the edit with our whiteout team and confirm once it’s in progress.
- Most updates appear on the site within 24 hours.
- If your listing is pending publication due to the edit, it will publish automatically when the fix completes.
Tips for faster resolution:
- Be as specific as possible about the exact image and the exact area to adjust.
- Avoid resubmitting multiple requests for the same item- reply to your existing ticket for continuity.
Primary Image Tips
Use these tips to avoid common problems:
- Lighting for fixtures and reflective items: Turn the lights off when photographing illuminated fixtures (ex. ceiling lights) to prevent glow or color shifts that can make dark fixtures look lighter after whiteout. Use even, indirect lighting.
- Control reflections: For mirrors and glossy surfaces, adjust angles so the product details aren’t blocked by reflections or your surroundings.
- Minimize shadows: Shoot in bright, diffused light (near a window with sheer curtains or with softboxes) to reduce strong shadows that may require post-processing.
- Remove temporary props: Take away dollies, cords, or staging elements you don’t want in the final primary photo. While we can remove minor items, photographing cleanly yields the best results.
- Use high-resolution originals: Upload sharp, in-focus images; avoid screenshots. Original, uncompressed files withstand whiteout and resizing better and reduce the chance of distortion.
- Choose the correct primary image: Set your preferred primary image as the first image before submitting. If the wrong image displays as the primary after review, contact us with the correct one identified.
Read our full photo guide for more tips on photographing your items.